Infraocclusion: a case report with an unexpected outcome.

The management of infraoccluded primary molars can pose some difficult clinical questions: when to treat? What treatment to provide? Why treat? How long to wait and watch? The definition and aetiology of infraoccluded primary molars is discussed. Some of the sequelae of different treatment options are described. A case is presented of the management of a ten and a half year old girl with a severely infraoccluded maxillary left second primary molar. The initial treatment plan included surgical removal of both the infraoccluded primary molar and the permanent successor, which was impacted high in the maxilla. However, the sudden unexpected eruption of the permanent tooth allowed a successful non-surgical outcome.